Overview
- The West Australian greeted Ben Stokes in Perth with front-page barbs, calling him "Cocky Captain Complainer" and dismissing England’s approach as "dopey."
- Former England quick Steven Finn said trying to provoke Stokes could backfire, praising the captain and Brendon McCullum’s uninhibited style.
- Mark Wood downplayed the media hostility and said there is quiet confidence in the England camp, while acknowledging Australia as favourites at home.
- Ex-Australia paceman Ryan Harris dismissed Stuart Broad’s suggestion that this is the weakest Australia since 2010-11 and urged the hosts to pressure Stokes.
- Reports note Australia have named a 15-man group for Perth with selection still live and captain Pat Cummins injured, with the first Test at Optus Stadium on 21 November.